B.S. Economics, Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
M.A. Organizational Psychology, Columbia University
Certifications: StandOut Strengths (Assessment and Coaching), Science of Happiness, UC Berkeley, ICF
Coach Faculty for Human Potential Institute
This is my story
Hello, my name is Bijal Choksi (“BEE-juhl CHOK-see”). As a Leadership Coach with Ama La Vida, it is my honor to assist people with navigating their career in a way that is both effective and authentic. I believe that leadership is not like a poncho – one size does not fit all. Let’s end imposter syndrome.
While I focus on executive and leadership coaching, I also enjoy working with clients looking to build a personal brand or make a career transition. A few other categories of clients drawn to me are HiPo’s (High Potential employees), introverts, and people of color.
I am here to support you to provide a short-cut to success. I would be a cheerleader on your side, but my role is also to challenge you, hold you accountable, provide a safe space to explore, and provide resources you may not be aware of.
I am a pioneer at heart who loves to help Clients feel confident and competent. Some of my strengths include connecting on a human level with clients, taking a meta view to pinpoint patterns for clients, being non-judgmental and curious, and creating models to increase efficiency.
I am also a mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, confidante, bibliophile, tennis and poker player, and much more! I am a New Yorker at heart even though Denver, CO has been my home for over two decades.
My motto is: Create a life you love, and love the life you create.
Don’t let my picture or nice nature fool you. I am an experienced, nuanced professional who gets results.
In all coaching sessions, you’ll find my style includes “head, heart, and hand”; referring to understanding rationally, diving into the deeper meaning & feelings, and determining what actions you will take on a practical level to move forward.
My professional journey started as an organizational consultant, focused on improving company culture, identifying core organizational or team values, and ensuring stakeholder engagement. For a while, working top-down like this was fulfilling, leading to feeling that I was helping improve the employee experience on a daily basis. However, at some point, I had an epiphany that individual agency and ownership over one’s experience is the key to lasting changes. A shift in one person leads to ripple effects throughout the immediate team, their families, their communities, and more.
Having worked at a few of the well-known consulting and other firms, such as Deloitte & Touche, McKinsey, IBM, and PriceWaterhouse Coopers, I understand how large organizations operate and the challenges that often arise. In 2007, I founded Minds Matter Colorado, an organization dedicated to leveling the educational playing field for low-resourced families, and continue to serve on two boards to give back to the community.
In addition to these professional experiences, I bring my enthusiasm (don’t invite me to meetings if you don’t want me to participate) and optimism (we can find a way, even if it’s different than the original plan). I believe individuals, teams, and organizations that view conflict as a natural part of life, and look at these events from the lens of opportunity come out stronger and more cohesive on the other side.
My Coaching Approach
My approach is unique in that as an organizational psychologist and strength-based coach, I coach the whole person. We may draw from many parts of you, including history, culture, values, beliefs, temperament, goals, strengths, and much more. At the same time, I bring a holistic framework to my clients, including explorations of self-awareness, blind spots, executive presence, leadership skills, systems thinking, consulting mindset, and strategic framework. I meet you wherever you are.
For example, you may have an interpersonal issue about your boss you want to discuss, but that may well end up being the surface topic. We may uncover a value that’s being trampled on, or an unmet expectation. Shining a flashlight on all aspects of the situation will lead to a more lasting solution.
At the same time, my approach is imminently practical. You’ll walk away with actionable steps, a greater understanding of the situation or goal, greater self-awareness, and a knowing that someone is unequivocally on your side.
My clients have said…
“Bijal has an incredible combination of intelligence, listening skills, consulting/coaching experience, and confidence that allows her to gather data, recognize themes, develop actionable plans/next steps, and share them efficiently and effectively. On a professional and a personal level, I’ve received a great deal of support from Bijal and there have been multiple situations in which her perspective and ability to cut to the root of the matter make her my ‘go-to’ resource.” – Savinay Chandrasekhar, CEO
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“Bijal’s coaching style is direct yet gentle and I always get the sense that she truly cares about me and my success. She listens closely and shares her insights thoughtfully with permission. Bijal is skilled at encouraging self-discovery and eliciting self-generated solutions and strategies. I highly recommend Bijal as a coach based on my coaching experience with her.” – Kim McNoughton, Oracle
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“Bijal is one of the best listeners and communicators I have come across. Equipped with high natural intelligence and developed skills, she is a dream to work with. Whether an individual in a 1:1 setting, or a group, you are in good hands. Bijal is kind, considerate, and affable.” – Kevin Riordan, Fusion Academy
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“I’m writing just because I wanted to thank you for all your support and advice through the months that the MBA lasted. They were insightful and definite for decisions I took in my professional life and that – time has demonstrated- were correct.” – Alejandro M.
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